Trekking in Kerala Forests

Trekking the forests and highlands is the one experience that finds no match. A trekking expedition may be tiring initially, but quite rewarding in the end.

There are plenty of trekking opportunities in Kerala. From Agastyarkoodam in Thiruvananthapuram, eco-tourism village of Thenmala, Wagamon etc are cool places for trekking. Majority of these trekking expeditions cannot be completed in a day. Trekking in Kerala is an occasion where you can enjoy the cool breeze, fresh air and a tranquilizing environment. You will feel rejuvenation of mind and soul. Sometimes in the journey you will be interrupted by the chirpings of some birds or the sight of a peacock dance will fascinate you.

You will feel like taking a dip from the narrow stream or like lying on your back on a rock inside an overflowing river.

Before you pack up for your trekking expedition, make sure you take the necessary clothing, boots and food. Trekking in Kerala is by and large a very controlled affair. You will have to get the permission from forest department and qualified guides will accompany you. These guides are rich source of information when it comes to identifying wild birds, animals, medicinal herbs and historically important places. Your travel schedule is not controlled by flights or trains, but by weather conditions and the guests you see on the way.

Christmas Days Are Here, Once Again

Christmas days are back with the new message of love and peace to the troubled up hearts of man.

Just make a hang around the city, you will find yourself the festive mood of Christmas all around. The streets are lighted up with stars, attractive with colorful decorative items, Christmas trees and more. People are busy with buying new things, dresses and gifts for their loved ones. As you go on, you can hear melodious carol songs around the streets accompanied with drumbeats and bugles.

Jesus, born in Bethlehem many years back on December 25th, yes, that is what Christmas is. Many years back, on a cold winter night, Jesus came to this world with a new message of love and humility. That is what every Christmas tells about. This great event of Christ’s birthday is celebrated with enthusiasm. Christmas brings about a new spirit of love, joy and peace to the hearts of many.

As a preparation for Christmas, Christians observe twenty five days lent by keeping away from consuming meat, fish and egg. Christmas is a great occasion for the Christians for family get together and to keep themselves in the festive mood. In Kerala, wide scale celebration of the event takes place.

All the relatives and friends gather in Christian homes to make themselves in the celebration and merry making. All the schools and colleges of Kerala are in a celebrative mood. Regardless of caste and creed, all these educational institutions celebrate Christmas that truly follow the message what Christmas gives. Homes prepared to receive infant Jesus by decorating it with colorful guilt works, stars and special cribs that holds the still models of Jesus, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, Shepherd, Angels, Kings etc.

Together with all these celebrations, it time for all to treat their appetite. Christmas cakes and wines have a great demand at this time. All the bakeries and shops are filled with Christmas cakes, sweets and other yummy foodstuffs. Ladies are busy with making delicious foods, children go on with different games and elders find enjoyment in tasting all these foodstuffs.

All churches present an impressive sight by the beautiful decorations inside and cribs that hold the miniature model Jesus and stable. While the choir sings “ Gloria”, the church bells rings and bursts crackers. In addition, the priest brings a small statue of Jesus as a sign of Jesus Christ’s birth. Faithful celebrates the holy mass with great respect that brings about good peace of mind to all hearts. In the midst of the Holy Mass, the priest make the faithful to celebrate the Christmas with Jesus and not to get involved in celebrations forgetting the real meaning of Christmas. After the Holy Mass, people are busy outside the church to wish the dear and near ones a spirit filled joyous Christmas.

On this auspicious event of Christmas, its time for all to forget the troubles of daily life and to fill the hearts with the new message of peace that each Christmas brings.

Kanathoor Theyyam, Kerala Temple Dance

Kanathoor Bhoothasthanam at Kasargod, North Kerala is in a celebrative mood for the great festival of Theyyam that will be taking place here on December 28th of this year.

Theyyam is a ritualistic art for of Kerala. It is a perfect combination of different art forms like mime, music and dance. The roots of this art form are connected to ancient tribal cultures. In this art form, it mainly involves in ancestral spirit worship. Theyyam exhibits a colorful appearance with a headgear, ornaments and attractive garments. A folk singer accompanies Theyyam dancer with load music according to his footsteps and uses straightforward and effective languages.

Kanathoor Bhoothasthanam festival stages a rare combination of different Theyyams like Chamundi Theyyam, Vishnumoorthy Theyyam and Panchoorla Theyyam, Muthor Theyyam and more. Kanathoor Theyyam has a history past many years. Devotes believe that Gods and Goddesses come into their midst in the form of possessed dancers. Still now there are many believers of this, hence Theyyam has great importance in Kerala. This five day long festival is a great celebration for all the devotees here. Kanathoor is known as Divine Court as all sorts of disputes are staged in front of this temple.

Kanathoor is about 20km from Kasargod. Kanathoor is accessible by road and rail from Kasargod. Mangalore is the nearest airport that is about 50km form Kasargod.

Priyadarshini Planetarium, Thiruvananthapuram

Priyadarsini planetarium, in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most versatile planetaria in the whole of India. The GM-II projector can make the impression of real (day and night) and can simulate the night sky over any location on earth on any night up to 12,500 years to both past and future.

A visitor to this theatre at the planetarium can see the details of the surface not only the moon and the stars, but also the whole visible galaxies of the universe. The fascinating world of astronomy is pulled before us to just an arms length away.

School kids from all over Kerala, nearing Tamil Nadu and Karnataka visit this planetarium to enrich themselves with the sightings of far and off corners of the universe.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

One of a place for bird watching, 253 species of birds found in just 25 Sq. Km area of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad.

Renowned ornithologist Salim Ali described Thattekad as ‘the richest bird habitat in peninsular India’. Salim Ali bird sanctuary in Thattekad is a paradise of bird-watchers. Within a mere 25 sq km area, you can spot at least 270 species of birds.

The sanctuary has tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, with the urban hussle-bussle just a few km away. The chirps and fluttering of the winged guests is surely a treat for eyes and ears. The wildlife here includes elephants and sloth bear.

Dr. Salim Ali reported about 167 bird species while Bombay Natural History Society identified 253.

Reaching Thattekad
It is 53 km from Kochi, the biggest city in Kerala. You will ferry-cross River Periyar to reach here.

International Film Festival of Kerala

International film festival Kerala (IFFK) is a unique venue for film lovers come together to a grand feast of world cinema. This annual event at Thiruvananthapuram brings an opportunity to film lovers to have a close look at world film scene. Films from as far as Brazil and Venezuela are screened here.

International Film Festival aims to select the best international film and to bring up new filmmakers. The selection of films is done for films from Asia, Africa and Latin American countries. In addition, international film festival has offered an award for the Best Debut filmmakers from these countries. For the films in the competition section, certain regulations are there. The films that are meant for the competition section are not shown outside the festival site.

The prizes for best films are decided by the special international jury appointed by the Academy. Moreover, the jury is the final authority to fix the Suvarna Chakoram (golden peacock) and the Rajata Chakoram (silver peacock) Awards for best directors.

Every year International Film Festival is an opportunity for the God’s own country to celebrate and to welcome people from all over.

Munnar Hill Station, Kerala

Munnar, situated at 1600 metres above sea level is the preferred summer location for Indians and foreigners alike. This is true ever since the British first reached this scenic hill-station two centuries ago.

Endless Tea plantations, waterfalls, wildlife, and unique Neelakurinji, the plant that blooms and covers entire hill range once in every 12 years make Munnar, traveler’s paradise. Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m above sea level) in South India is also located here. Anamudi hill (or mountain) is tickles the adverturism in you and it is ideal spot for trekking and camping.

Like all tours in Kerala, Munnar also offers the richness of nature. The tea and coffee plantations you see here are the highest in the whole world. Tea estates owned by different companies usually have some tusked visitors from the nearby forest. The people working in tea plantations are trained to avoid contact with an elephant. One thing the workers do while they spot a tusker nearby is to move to among the tea plants and run downwards. There is no report of wild animals attacking people here for a long time.

Rajamalai, famous for Nilgiri Tahr is just one-hour drive from Munnar town.

Helicopters Help Kerala Tourism Fly High

Kerala tourism now gets a new dimension with newly launched helicopter Services. Deccan Aviation LTD offers helicopter services to major Kerala tourist destinations like Kovalam, Munnar, Thekkady and Kumarakom. From its new base in Thiruvananthapuram, Deccan Aviation LTD took its first flight on December 1.

The company also plans to extend its services to Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala. This means, previously un-accessible hidden gems of Kerala tourism will be opened before travelers seeking to enjoy the un-spoilt natural beauty and serenity of Kerala.

In addition, the helicopter services gives room for transporting medical and corporate materials. The services will extend the possibility of tourism in the state. Deccan Aviation makes tourism more viable and flexible through the services. To enable the tourists to visit their tourist destinations, the company offers regular packages besides the customized packages. On the basis of the availability of tourists, Deccan Airways decides to which are to be connected. Fly the Hills connecting hill stations of Kerala, Capital by Air for an aerial view of Thiruvananthapuram city, Shoreline Fights connecting the beaches, Backwaters by Air to get connected to backwater destinations are the main packages currently offered by Deccan Aviation.

Besides Deccan Airways, King Rotors and Air Charter Pvt. Ltd in association with city based air travel enterprises have started helicopter services in the state. Thus, helicopter services are widening the tourism possibilities of the state. The early signs suggest helicopter service has really picked up in the state.

Kerala Tourism Department has chalked out plans to forward seaplanes. A budget of Rupees ten crore has been sought from the Union Government to meet all the requisites to commence seaplanes. By the introduction of seaplanes, it will be helpful for the tour agents to easily transport tourists from one location to another. About fifty percent of the rates are discounted for the operations of the seaplanes. Seaplanes are designed to include about ten to twelve passengers. Kerala Tourism department forwards seaplane introduction together with joining hands with private sector.

The tourism promoting agencies are liable to decide the fares of these services. Helicopter services have opened a new chapter in promoting tourism in the state. Kerala Tourism Department is looking forward to take Kerala tourism to new heights from its current position as a global leader in tourism promotion.

Kovalam Places to Visit in Kerala

Kovalam, the world famous beach in the capital city of Kerala, lures tourists from around the world with its golden sandy shore, dotted coconuts palms, cool breeze and gentle surfs.

Kovalam, the most renowned Indian beach was the favorite haven of ‘Hyppies’ a couple of decades ago. The beauty of this laid-back fisherman village was first introduced to the world by their singing about this palm grove beach. Kovalam has actually three beaches, the southern most one is the LightHouse beach, which spots a picturesque 18th century light house atop a hill. The golden sand filled beach is ideal location for sunbath and the calm water is ideal for surfing and swimming.

The northern most, samudra beach is still a laid back and less frequented beach. The central one is rocky Eve’s beach, locally called Hawwah beach.

Kovalam is also location for a nice window-shopping. Here you will find souvenirs to take home, or make an ideal gift. Handicrafts produce of coconut shell and husk fits in every living room. The handicrafts come in infinite variety, you can buy Kathakali face, mirrors and decorative items adorned with seashells and a lot more.

Just four km from here is Vizhinjam fishing harbour, which is also the location for a proposed seaport and a hydal electricity project.

In Kovalam, you can enjoy a cruise on a local fishing country boat during sunrise or sunset.

Napier Museum Thiruvananthapuram

Located in the city of Trivandrum, Napier Museum stands tall bearing the tradition of more than a millennium. The oldest Indian Museum, Napier museum was constructed under the aegis of Travancore ruler, and named after the then Madras Governor, John Napier.

It is an archeological wonder, which is a combination of Kerala, Chinese and European architecture. The inside of Napier Museum is always cooled better than an air conditioner, even while the outside melts under the midday sun.

Napier Museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts. Idols, ancient ornaments, coins etc take you to the past. Some curious items at Napier Museum include the seven concentric balls carved out of a single ivory piece, a heavy, large temple chariot, which depicts epic moments, life-size kathakali models etc.

For those who want to take a scoop into the past can find the right haven in Napier Museum.

Nearer to Napier Museum is the Zoological garden, which is among the oldest in India, Sree Chitra Art Gallery where old and new paintings are displayed, an observatory and a Science and Technology Museum.

Kerala Dance Forms

Centuries old Kerala Dance Forms are noted for the variety, youthfulness and charm. Some Kerala dance forms like Kathakali is world renowned, and a dance form Koodiyattom is recognized by UNESCO as human heritage art. All Kerala dance forms and dance forms of India are based on the instructions of ‘NatyaSastra’, the science of acting, which can be attributed to Sire Bharata who lived some 20 centuries ago. He described ‘navarasangal’ or the nine emotions viz. Sringaram (Love and seduction), Roudram (Aggressive), Hasyam (Humorous), Bhayanakam (Frightening), Veeram (Courage), Karuna (Compassion), Adbhutam (Wonder) and Shantam (Peace). Kerala dance forms seem to draw a narrow line between male and female performers.

The main dance forms of Kerala are:

Kathakali: This is divine dance form of Kerala, noted for the minute expression of emotions and colorful costumes. Kathakali is considered the art of Gods, and epical episodes are performed as a play. In earlier times it took many days for the completion of a play. Expression of emotions and narration is based on ‘Mudras’ or hand signals, and facial expression of navarasa, the nine emotions. Traditionally only men performed this Kerala dance form and they dressed like women for female characters usually Goddesses.

The costumes are heavy and it almost takes a full day to complete the make-up process. Characteristic masks, crowns and attire more than double the size of the performer.

Mohiniyattom: This Kerala dance form literally means the dance of an enchantress. Mohini means the women who tempts and Aattom means dance. Attired with white or ivory dress with golden borders, the dancer takes a majestic look. Mohiniyattom is noted for the slow movements and highly emotive eye gestures. The origin of Mohiniyattom is attributed to Lord Vishnu, who impersonated as Mohini (an enchanting woman) to seduce Asuras and take back Amrit, the medicine that gives immortality from them.

Mohiniyattom was performed in Kerala temples and palaces of Kerala.

Koothu (Chakyar Koothu): This Kerala dance form is performed only in selected place called Koothambalam associated with Kerala temples. Koothu in Malayalam means dance. Only members of the ‘Chakyar’ caste perform this.

Koodiyattam: This dance form of Kerala is the oldest of its kind and was evolved in the seventh century AD. It is an offering to deity. Mythological themes are played.

Theyyam: There are more than 300 variations for this Kerala dance form, which is characterized by the praising of Goddess for her victory over evil forces. Female roles are also handled by men, who wear colorful ritual attire for performing this temple dance form. The headgear and attire are both colorful and attractive.

Thiruvathira or ThiruvathiraKali. This is a dance performed by women on Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month, Dhanu. Eight to 12 women of any age circles around a ‘nilavilakku’, a traditional oil lamp with many wicks, for Thiruvathira Dancing. It is believed to bring blessings to their family life.

The Myth Behind this unique Kerala Dance Form:
Rathi Devi, Goddess of love regained the life of Kamadeva, the God of Love who was charred to ashes by the fearsome anger of Lord Shiva. Rathi Devi successfully made a case with Lord Shiva to give Kamadeva his life. Thus ThiruvathiraKali represents the fidelity of marital relation and determination of female soul.

Oppana: This dance form is the peculiarity of Malabar Muslim weddings in Kerala. On the wedding day eve, friends and relatives (mainly young maidens) throng around the bride, clapping their hands and dancing to some nice music. The songs are usually called as Mappilappattu. Through the songs, the young women tease the bride and bless her for the happiness in her new life. Oppana is a performed as a stage item also.

Kolkali: This Kerala dance form belongs to the agrarian classes. Kolkali literally means playing with stick. Men bear short sticks on each hand. The dancers harmoniously move around in circles, form different combinations, dance and rhythmically strike two short sticks. This is an exclusive item for men.

Krishnanattom : Krishnanattom is almost an extinct dance form of Kerala. One dance is completed over eight days, and is characterized by rich colors, big masks, and thick facial make-ups. Krishanattom as the name suggests is the play on the life of Lord Sri Krishna. Krishnattom resembles Kathakali.

Kerala Tourism

Kerala tourism is blessed with natural bounties like tranquil beaches, rolling hills, serene backwaters and the best climate in the world. Kerala tourism is further supported by colorful festivals, exotic Kerala culinary and a friendly and educated people who greet you with genuine smiles wherever you go.

No wonder tourism Kerala branded itself as “God’s own Country”.

Kerala tourism attractions include calm beaches with clear blue sea and gentle surfs, rolling hills covered with green tea plantation, birds sanctuaries, thick forests and wildlife and a lot more. The colorful festivals of Kerala are an attraction for not only locals, but also for visitors from around the world. There will not be tourist who doesn’t keep in his mind the houseboat journey through the backwaters in Kerala.

Ecotourism destinations in Kerala also offer a chance for visitors to feel the gentle touch of nature. Ecotourism in Kerala and bird sanctuaries in Kerala also offer adventure rock climbing, bird watching trails, mountain biking and chances for trekking, stays in tree houses, enjoying the forest and wildlife.

Kerala law and order situation is best in India and is ranks highest literacy rate in India.

Foreign visitors now come to Kerala to make use of the better treatment facilities provided by Kerala hospitals. Health tourism in Kerala is also growing with Kerala tourism with centers for naturopathy, yoga and meditation, ayurvedic treatment centers and hospitals coming up in most serene locations.

Temples of Kerala will be the choice for the pious among the visitors.

You can also find astrology, palmistry, numerology, horoscope, tantric pooja, Sree Chakra and Vaastu and Gemology. Each one is a case of fun or personal belief.

While it comes to tourism, Kerala tourism stands stands tall. Even National Geographic magazine has boosted Kerala tourism by listing Kerala in 50 places of a lifetime.

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